Born & Raised

I was the first of three sisters My older brothers would treat me like a princess Sporting flattops and high-top sneakers My feet too small for my brand-new Adidas Seven in the evening when my mama calls We're playing dodgeball up against the Berlin wall That's how I was born and raised Mama, look at where I am today (It's alright) Even though we had to struggle (sometimes) Even if we stumbled (it's all good) 'Cause I learned how to stay on my feet (It's alright) Even though we had to struggle (sometimes) Even if we stumbled (it's all good) 'Cause I learned how to do for me, yeah If my life's like your life, then I want for you to know There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on 'Cause there's so much more that you can be 16 when I first left home Already hard-headed thinking I was grown Berlin girl, half-African, half-Caucasian Imagine conflicts I'm facing Skipped school, went clubbing with them black GI's Arguments on the phone would make my mama cry I fell in love with this thug, daddy threw a fit Only took one year, that nigga's doing a bid This is back when P.E. gave us identity A young girl in the streets of West Germany That's how I was born and raised Mama, look at where I am today (It's alright) Even though we had to struggle (sometimes) Even if we stumbled (it's all good) 'Cause I learned how to do for me If my life's like your life, then I want for you to know There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on 'Cause there's so much more that you can be Hip-Hop Soul was the brand-new age Became my real love with Mary J I took my first steps on a spot lit stage It was clear I was here to stay See it wasn't always easy on this path I chose When it starts getting sleazy, don't know friend from foe That's when I learned to discern and stand up for me And took control of my own destiny If my life's like your life, then I want for you to know There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on 'Cause there's so much more that you can be (It's alright) it's alright (Sometimes) sometimes (It's all good) I know it's a struggle But I know it's gonna be alright (it's alright) (Sometimes) sometimes (It's all good) it's all good If you love me, stay on your own too If my life's like your life, then I want for you to know There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on 'Cause there's so much more that you can be